Part Of Controversial Simi Valley Halloween Ordinance Suspended By Judge

Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 10:21am

Part of an ordinance intended to keep convicted sex offenders in Simi Valley from having contact with children trick-or-treating has been blocked by a federal court judge.

The Simi Valley City Council passed an ordinance which banned offenders from decorating the outside of the homes with Halloween decorations, and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. It required offenders to turn off their outdoor lights from 5 p.m. to midnight on Halloween, and to post signs saying there is no candy, or treats at the home.

A Santa Monica attorney field suit on behalf of some sex offenders who lived in the city, claiming the ordinance was unconstitutional.

Yesterday, a judge temporarily struck down the requirement that offenders put signs on their houses, but upheld the other aspects of the ordinance.

The order is a temporary one, pending a full hearing, but opponents had sought action with Halloween coming just weeks after the new ordinance was passed.